Lynch: Build a better sandwich with healthy ideas (column)

Did you know that the sandwich was invented in 1762 as a way to avoid interrupting a card game? It was not until 1827 that it was introduced to America and not until the early 1900s that it became popular with the introduction of sliced bread.

Some parents face the dilemma of having children who love sandwiches so much, they would eat them for every meal, including breakfast. Popular choices of bologna, peanut butter and jelly and cheese sandwiches can leave parents looking for more variety.

Many children develop food jags and want to eat the same thing daily. Children and adults alike eat sandwiches regularly. A study done at Texas A&M University revealed that a U.S. citizen eats about 200 sandwiches a year, and the average child will eat about 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before graduating high school. There is nothing wrong with eating sandwiches regularly; however, you need to be aware of what you are putting on them and what you are serving with them.

Here are some suggestions for building a healthy sandwich:

? Use 100 percent whole grain bread, tortilla, pita or roll.

? Mustard and avocado make great spreads; avoid mayonnaise if you can.